Faithful Provisionshttp://faithfulprovisions.com
Save Money. Live Generously.Tue, 10 Oct 2017 18:08:24 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.7.2Subscribe with My Yahoo!Subscribe with NewsGatorSubscribe with My AOLSubscribe with BloglinesSubscribe with NetvibesSubscribe with GoogleSubscribe with Pageflakes5 Reasons I Send My Kids to Summer Camphttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FaithfulProvisions/~3/Er_Os5uQZCc/
http://faithfulprovisions.com/5-reasons-i-send-my-kids-to-summer-camp/#commentsThu, 25 May 2017 20:22:28 +0000http://faithfulprovisions.com/?p=108525Summer camps. What more do I need to say? It is probably one of the fondest memories I have from childhood. But with the memories, also come so many amazing... Read More

Summer camps. What more do I need to say? It is probably one of the fondest memories I have from childhood. But with the memories, also come so many amazing benefits and life lessons. Sending kids out for the day or even the week, can reap a harvest of benefits that you might not even realize until they are grown.

Here are 5 reasons we send our kids to summer camp:

Self-ConfidenceOne of my favorite benefits of letting kids be away for a day or week is watching their new found independence and self reliance. I love watching the confidence that a day away breathes into their sails. I absolutely love to have my kids around, but when they get away and have to be resourceful, it builds a self-confidence that they can only obtain by learning to be self sufficient and figure things out on their own.

Forge New RelationshipsBeing in a new environment forces you to move outside your comfort zone. Most kids just need a little encouragement to meet new friends, and camp is the perfect place to do that. There is nothing that develops a bond like experience.

We were made for relationship. You know that feeling you get when you have a girls night out planned? I get almost giddy at just the thought of it! Our kids feel that too after they have had quality time, with their friends. The opportunity to meet new people, and build deeper relationships is just as beneficial for our kids as it is for us adults.

Un-PlugIt seems like the biggest challenge for most parents today is to completely “un-plug” from electronics. We have a pretty strict technology policy around here and for the most part, they only watch tv on the weekends. Having my kids out all day in the wilderness, having fun with friends, makes technology virtually unnecessary, and once they see how much more fun they have without it, the requests for screen time, slowly dwindle.

Physical ActivityWith so many children spending their days inside, we need to seek out opportunities for them to be outside! There is nothing like spending the day outside being physically active. Running. Jumping. Swimming. Hiking. Climbing. They literally fall into bed at night from all the fun they had!

Enjoy the OutdoorsEven though it might reach the 90’s outside, if there is a fun outdoor activity, most kids don’t mind. Camp is a great way to encourage kids to get off the couch and truly enjoy the outdoors! My children love to read, but there is such a richer experience to be had by getting your hands dirty, and experiencing life! I find that once my kids have been outdoors and learn new skills, they come home completely rejuvenated, excited and just full of life. Once they have had the opportunity to be outdoors and work hard, they have a new appreciation for “free time”.

Our family has been attending summer camps for quite a few years, and our go-to is always Deer Run Summer Camps. But what I love is that they have family camps, and weekend retreats ALL YEAR LONG. Checkout all the details on camps below and this video just says it all…

]]>http://faithfulprovisions.com/5-reasons-i-send-my-kids-to-summer-camp/feed/3http://faithfulprovisions.com/5-reasons-i-send-my-kids-to-summer-camp/My Current Reading List: Bonhoeffer, Kid’s Books and All The Books I Want to Read!http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FaithfulProvisions/~3/cVu-myl5p70/
http://faithfulprovisions.com/current-reading-list-bonhoeffer-kids-books-books-want-read/#commentsTue, 14 Feb 2017 17:49:29 +0000http://faithfulprovisions.com/?p=108514As much as I love to read, I definitely go in spurts. I will read voraciously for a while, then not pick up a book for a few months. But... Read More

]]>As much as I love to read, I definitely go in spurts. I will read voraciously for a while, then not pick up a book for a few months. But one thing I notice, when I am reading a lot, I am so much more engaged with life!

What I Am Reading Now

Of all the books I have ever read, this might not only be the hardest, but most rewarding. This is the story of the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Below is an excerpt overview of the book. As a morning devotional, I read his book The Cost of Discipleship while reading his biography. It was a great compliment to read about what he was writing as I was learning about him.

As Adolf Hitler and the Nazis seduced a nation, bullied a continent, and attempted to exterminate the Jews of Europe, a small number of dissidents and saboteurs worked to dismantle the Third Reich from the inside. One of these was Dietrich Bonhoeffer—a pastor and author. Eric Metaxas takes both strands of Bonhoeffer’s life—the theologian and the spy—and draws them together to tell a searing story of incredible moral courage in the face of monstrous evil.

As with many of my book choices, this one came from a podcast I was listening to about how moms can show respect to their sons. Isn’t it supposed to be the other way around? I have to admit, changing my language to include “respect” to my son felt so strange, but as the excerpt says below, it really was a game-changer in our relationship. I am only into the first few chapters, but I am really enjoying this one! I read a little each day after my morning devotional.

The idea of moms respecting their sons may sound alien to some, but it seems to ignite curiosity across the board. It is easy to relate to the need for all of us to feel a mother’s love, but is that the same thing as respect? Even for young boys, the effect of respect is nothing short of astounding when applied properly.

Like everyone else in America I had to read the Chip and JoJo story! This is a look into what their life together looks like and is such a great challenge to us all to pour into our marriages. I liked this book so much as a simple reminder that we should all be living by the Spirit, this was a main theme over and over in their lives and marriage. Just their desire to be obedient to whatever he called them in trusting, no matter what the situation looked like.

This was one of the books I discover while listening to a podcast and had to dive deeper into the subject. Dr Kathy Koch’s stand is that all children are smart, and each gifting will present itself differently. It’s not that children aren’t smart if they make a bad grade on a test, it’s that they are smart in a different way. It is a great testament to the varieties in learning styles for our kiddos and how each is unique and special in their own way. A very easy and quick read!

“Smart” is a power word. Children who believe they’re smart excel more in school and approach life with greater confidence. But children who don’t can struggle to apply themselves. Do you wish your child could see how smart he or she is?

Find hope in 8 Great Smarts. You’ll be empowered and equipped with new language and creative ideas for how to: Accept and affirm your child’s unique smarts, Motivate your child to learn and study with all 8 smarts, Reawaken any “paralyzed” smarts, Redirect misbehavior in new, constructive ways, and Guide your child spiritually, relationally, and to a good career fit

]]>http://faithfulprovisions.com/current-reading-list-bonhoeffer-kids-books-books-want-read/feed/2http://faithfulprovisions.com/current-reading-list-bonhoeffer-kids-books-books-want-read/My Favorite Things: Breakfast, Podcasts, My Instant Pot and a New Family Showhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FaithfulProvisions/~3/lYaNG1JhCWA/
http://faithfulprovisions.com/favorite-things-breakfast-podcasts-instant-pot-new-family-show/#commentsSun, 05 Feb 2017 14:45:06 +0000http://faithfulprovisions.com/?p=108502Of all things, this might be my absolute favorite. He adores his daddy and read-aloud time never disappoints. Our current family read-aloud is the beautifully, unabridged Sterling Illustrated Classics version... Read More

]]>Of all things, this might be my absolute favorite. He adores his daddy and read-aloud time never disappoints. Our current family read-aloud is the beautifully, unabridged Sterling Illustrated Classics version of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne.

What We Are Eating

Food is always at the very top of my list, so we should start with that. Breakfast is my nemesis. Quite frankly I don’t like getting up first thing in the morning to mess up the kitchen, so I am always looking for really healthy, but quick clean-up breakfasts. If you follow me on Instagram you know that two of my current favorites are smoothie bowls and loaded rice cakes. Both of these are no-guilt, gluten and dairy free and my kids love them. So they are a win.

I make my smoothie bowls just like a smoothie, just less water. We use greens, frozen fruit (bananas, berries, pineapple), fresh lemon, protein powder; just whatever I have on hand that day, then they get topped with everything from granola, nuts, hemp seeds, and coconut flakes, then drizzled with honey.

Rice cakes are the best invention ever. I load ours up with peanut butter, sliced bananas and strawberries, hemp seeds and drizzle with honey. These are my favorite brand, but I find them at my local grocery store for under $3. My kids gobbled them up, but just know, they didn’t stay full for long. That was the only downside.

And the Instant Pot… you don’t have one yet? Well, stop what you are doing and get one right now. Seriously, this is the best invention ever. I think the slow-cooker is now obsolete. I will try to get a post together on how I morph slow-cooker recipes to work in my Instant Pot.

What I’m Reading

I have always wanted to read the Bonhoeffer biography by Eric Metaxas but was a little intimidated, it’s about 3-4 inches thick! Finally, I dove in and have absolutely loved it. It is not an easy read, there is so much information to take in, but well worth it. Probably one of the most life-changing books I’ve ever read. It is quite inspiring to see his faith amidst all the trials, no matter his situation Bonhoeffer was always hopeful.

I would highly recommend reading his Cost of Discipleship as a morning devotional while you read Bonhoeffer, it goes together so well. It really pulled it all together to read his theological thoughts while reading his life events.

What I Am Listening To

One of my favorite things to do is listen to podcasts. If you haven’t gotten on the podcast train, you have to try it out. Some of my current favs are Family Life, Focus on the Family, Read Aloud Revival and At Home with Sally. Typically I listen while I am getting ready, making dinner, cleaning or driving. I pop in my ear buds and go. I do have to warn you though…my booklist has quadrupled since I started listening to podcasts lately! They have so many great ones and usually they are authors, so get ready.

What We Are Watching

A big challenge for my husband and I is to find appropriate and interesting family shows and movies. A current favorite is the CBS show Hunted. It’s about 16 people who attempt to go off the grid while being hunted as “they attempt the nearly impossible task of disappearing in today’s vast digital world as highly skilled investigators combine state-of-the-art tracking methods with traditional tactics to pursue and catch them.” There is a little language but so far it’s a great show for us to watch together. The kids especially liked it and has garnered some great discussions on the benefits and pitfalls of technology.

Another one I really like is Timeless, but I have found I have to prescreen each episode. It is definitely more of a PG-13 rating due to the content and language (episodes on JFK and 1980’s are definitely not kid friendly due to adult content). The premise is that a secret state-of-the-art time machine is stolen with the intent on destroying America as we know it by changing the past. The show offer great history lessons including the Hindenburg, the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, the Alamo, Apollo 11 space race and more.

What shows, podcasts, books and food are you loving right now? Please share them with me, I love to get new ideas!

]]>http://faithfulprovisions.com/favorite-things-breakfast-podcasts-instant-pot-new-family-show/feed/7http://faithfulprovisions.com/favorite-things-breakfast-podcasts-instant-pot-new-family-show/February Planning – Free Printable Calendar, Budgeting Worksheet and Meal Plannerhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FaithfulProvisions/~3/9db_HkEfxd0/
http://faithfulprovisions.com/february-planning-free-printable-calendar-budgeting-worksheet-meal-planner/#commentsSat, 04 Feb 2017 14:28:03 +0000http://faithfulprovisions.com/?p=108498One of my favorite things to do at the end of one month and the beginning of another is to plan. I am such a planner, it is just part... Read More

]]>One of my favorite things to do at the end of one month and the beginning of another is to plan. I am such a planner, it is just part of who I am. There is something about preparing for what is to come (to the best of my ability!) that gives me much peace. Even if you are not a planner at heart, I would encourage you to at least try it out one month and see how much more smoothly your days go!

Free February Printable Calendar

One of my favorite ways to plan out our months is to print off one of the beautiful calendars from Fathima’s Studio. Click on one of the links below for the color or black and white version.

Free Monthly Budgeting Worksheet

Each month I quickly fill in this easy budgeting worksheet to keep track of and plan our monthly spending. I simply “copy” the previous months worksheet and then edit to fit our expenses for the month. It is a great way to keep track of our spending and see what we have room to fit in for the next.

Menu Planning Printable

Menu planning is done on a weekly basis, so at the beginning of each month I print out four of these and keep on my meal planning / grocery list clip board to keep myself organized. The really cool thing about this printable is that you can type in your meal plan and then print it out.

]]>http://faithfulprovisions.com/february-planning-free-printable-calendar-budgeting-worksheet-meal-planner/feed/5http://faithfulprovisions.com/february-planning-free-printable-calendar-budgeting-worksheet-meal-planner/2016 Printable Electoral College Map (Fill-In Version By State)http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FaithfulProvisions/~3/dIHTiMg7FA8/
http://faithfulprovisions.com/2016-printable-electoral-college-map-fill-version-state/#commentsTue, 08 Nov 2016 13:33:23 +0000http://faithfulprovisions.com/?p=108495If you have school age kids, or if you just like to keep results for yourself, print off this 2016 Electoral College Map and fill in the results while you... Read More

]]>If you have school age kids, or if you just like to keep results for yourself, print off this 2016 Electoral College Map and fill in the results while you watch the election tonight. It is a great opportunity to teach our kiddos how the Electoral College impacts voting and to get them excited about how government works.

]]>http://faithfulprovisions.com/2016-printable-electoral-college-map-fill-version-state/feed/1http://faithfulprovisions.com/2016-printable-electoral-college-map-fill-version-state/Free November 2016 Printable Calendarhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FaithfulProvisions/~3/zxD93HiJvHw/
http://faithfulprovisions.com/free-november-2016-printable-calendar/#commentsThu, 03 Nov 2016 00:29:08 +0000http://faithfulprovisions.com/?p=108490Fathima’s Studio just released her FREE November 2016 Printable Calendar! I grab these every month to put on my refrigerator, probably the best out there and its free.

]]>http://faithfulprovisions.com/free-november-2016-printable-calendar/feed/2http://faithfulprovisions.com/free-november-2016-printable-calendar/FREE $40 PhotoBarn Credit (Make FREE Christmas Gifts!)http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FaithfulProvisions/~3/7cjeQIF_w04/
http://faithfulprovisions.com/free-40-photobarn-credit-make-free-christmas-gifts/#respondThu, 27 Oct 2016 12:39:13 +0000http://faithfulprovisions.com/?p=108486This is an AMAZING deal on photo gifts and it ends October 28, 2016!! Right now PhotoBarn is offer a FREE $40 Credit to their customers, just use code CASH40 at checkout. This... Read More

]]>http://faithfulprovisions.com/free-40-photobarn-credit-make-free-christmas-gifts/feed/0http://faithfulprovisions.com/free-40-photobarn-credit-make-free-christmas-gifts/Amazon Deal: Utopia Color-Coded Knife Set + Cutting Board Just $12.99http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FaithfulProvisions/~3/g3W7efdWiZ0/
http://faithfulprovisions.com/amazon-deal-utopia-color-coded-knife-set-cutting-board-just-12-99/#respondTue, 25 Oct 2016 12:54:46 +0000http://faithfulprovisions.com/?p=108484 I have a budding chef in our house who loves to have her own tools to cook with, so when I saw this Utopia Color-Coded Knife Set + Cutting board... Read More

]]>http://faithfulprovisions.com/amazon-deal-utopia-color-coded-knife-set-cutting-board-just-12-99/feed/0http://faithfulprovisions.com/amazon-deal-utopia-color-coded-knife-set-cutting-board-just-12-99/2 Great eBooks for Just $.99!! – The Fringe Hours and Anchoredhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FaithfulProvisions/~3/rmyFZErvLII/
http://faithfulprovisions.com/2-great-ebooks-just-99-fringe-hours-anchored/#respondSat, 22 Oct 2016 12:45:11 +0000http://faithfulprovisions.com/?p=108481Now through October 24, 2016 The Fringe Hours Kindle Edition is just $.99 on Amazon, which is the lowest price it has ever been. While life is busy with a litany... Read More

While life is busy with a litany of must-dos–work, parenting, keeping house, grocery shopping, laundry and on and on–women do not have to push their own needs aside. Yet this is often what happens. There’s just no time, right? Wrong.

This is a great book to find ways to incorporate more time for yourself into our busy days!

Anchored recounts Kayla’s gripping story of learning to navigate her newfound motherhood in the most unexpected of ways, from holidays in the hospital and middle-of-the-night phone calls to the joy of coming home. With vulnerability and plenty of wit, Kayla lays bare her struggle to redefine her faith, her marriage, and herself within the context of a tragedy she never saw coming. For anyone who has felt their faith in God falter, Anchored extends a gentle invitation to join her as she uncovers a hope that holds.

]]>October might just be my favorite month of the year. The weather is beautiful, the food options, oh the food options… soups and crockpots galore! I absolutely love to be in the kitchen, especially when I have a plan and it’s a meal I know my family will enjoy. I put together 15 of my most favorite meal ideas for October with a link to each recipe, including Tortilla Soup and Fajitas in a Bowl

]]>http://faithfulprovisions.com/15-october-meal-plan-ideas/feed/0http://faithfulprovisions.com/15-october-meal-plan-ideas/FREE October 2016 Printable Calendarhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FaithfulProvisions/~3/eLHKEtBR9a4/
http://faithfulprovisions.com/free-october-2016-printable-calendar/#respondFri, 30 Sep 2016 12:44:17 +0000http://faithfulprovisions.com/?p=108476Believe it or not, tomorrow is October. I can definitely tell by the change in the air here in Tennessee, because it was in the low 60’s yesterday. Yay for... Read More

]]>Believe it or not, tomorrow is October. I can definitely tell by the change in the air here in Tennessee, because it was in the low 60’s yesterday. Yay for fall!

It’s calendar time again. I absolutely love these free monthly calendars from Fathima’s Studio, and the October calendar does not disappoint. Grab your FREE October printable calendar, in color or black and white.

]]>http://faithfulprovisions.com/free-october-2016-printable-calendar/feed/0http://faithfulprovisions.com/free-october-2016-printable-calendar/Busy Week Meal Plan + The Beginning of Fall!http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FaithfulProvisions/~3/M_tqO10zsmA/
http://faithfulprovisions.com/busy-week-meal-plan-the-beginning-of-fall/#respondSun, 25 Sep 2016 17:03:58 +0000http://faithfulprovisions.com/?p=108470It is officially fall! But here in Tennessee you wouldn’t know it. Yesterday, it was a steamy 95 degrees, but starting tomorrow the temps are supposed to dip about 10... Read More

]]>It is officially fall! But here in Tennessee you wouldn’t know it. Yesterday, it was a steamy 95 degrees, but starting tomorrow the temps are supposed to dip about 10 degrees, finally. I am so incredibly excited. I’m ready for jeans, I’m over shorts.

It’s a big week, our dear friends have their Both Hands Project on Saturday and I couldn’t be more excited for them. If you haven’t followed our Adoption Journey, that is how we brought Ladd home. If you feel so led, head over to their page and help them bring their sweet baby boy home. Being on their team has brought back so many wonderful memories of our own adoption 2 years ago!

And these kiddos… seriously, I love watching them with little man. One of the things we implemented last year in our homeschool day was for each of them to have one on one reading time with him. Not only does it encourage reading skills in my bigs, but it also gives them quality time together.

Meal Plan Ideas

This week’s meal plan has a new meal that I can’t wait to try. My friend Abby raves about these Sticky Garlic Noodles, and it’s on the menu tonight. Our schedule in the last two weeks went from nice and calm, to a full calendar and what feels like absolutely ZERO margin to breathe. By making sure things are planned out, especially in the kitchen, it will help me cut down on unnecessary stress and give us the bonus of more free time.

Sticky Garlic Noodles – These look to die-for, and I’m told they are, so can’t wait to try them out. I will serve an asian inspired salad with them and stir in a bunch of spinach to get our green quotient up.

Greek Plate – One of our favorites, I’ll double the rice to use for Rice Bowls later in the week, when we need a very quick easy dinner. This meal is just grilled chicken and vegetables in my favorite Greek Marinade, rice, a simple Greek salad and lots of hummus!

Tacos/ Taco Salad – It’s Bible study night, so we do a potluck with friends and I’ll bring part of the meal.

Rice Bowls – One of my favorite go-to’s when we have extra rice! I made a big batch of Quick Pickled Ginger yesterday to eat this week and add to my rice bowl.

BBQ Chicken Sandwiches – I’ll just throw some leftover chicken in BBQ sauce, and over some gluten-free buns with a salad and watermelon (or whatever fruit we have on hand).

]]>http://faithfulprovisions.com/busy-week-meal-plan-the-beginning-of-fall/feed/0http://faithfulprovisions.com/busy-week-meal-plan-the-beginning-of-fall/My New Favorite Graphic T-Shirt! (PLUS a Discount Code!)http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FaithfulProvisions/~3/yE-0FQNK7Xs/
http://faithfulprovisions.com/new-favorite-graphic-t-shirt/#respondFri, 23 Sep 2016 12:00:15 +0000http://faithfulprovisions.com/?p=108466I love a good t-shirt. Especially when it has a positive, uplifting message or promotes something I’m passionate about. And being cute certainly helps! I love this new graphic t-shirt... Read More

]]>I love a good t-shirt. Especially when it has a positive, uplifting message or promotes something I’m passionate about. And being cute certainly helps! I love this new graphic t-shirt line… my favorite words are “Life is Beautiful”. It is such a great reminder to me to keep a positive attitude and realize the beauty of this life I have been given. To remember not to take the everyday wonders around me for granted. God created beauty for me to enjoy and I want to acknowledge it and enjoy all Has made that not only reflects His Glory, but was created for my delight!

And one of the big reasons to remember how great life is…sitting right beside me! Every time I look at her sweet face I realize how incredibly blessed I am and the beautiful life I have. Daily I have to set my mind in the right place, to remember to be thankful and never take all I have for granted.

]]>http://faithfulprovisions.com/new-favorite-graphic-t-shirt/feed/0http://faithfulprovisions.com/new-favorite-graphic-t-shirt/Easy & Healthy School Lunches You Can Make Ahead of Timehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FaithfulProvisions/~3/IMwBCssl7Nw/
http://faithfulprovisions.com/easy-healthy-school-lunches-can-make-ahead-time/#respondMon, 19 Sep 2016 12:19:52 +0000http://faithfulprovisions.com/?p=108464If you need a little inspiration for your kids lunches and love to prep ahead, be sure to try out this list of Easy & Healthy School Lunches You Can... Read More

]]>http://faithfulprovisions.com/easy-healthy-school-lunches-can-make-ahead-time/feed/0http://faithfulprovisions.com/easy-healthy-school-lunches-can-make-ahead-time/How to Get Audio Books on Audible Without a Subscriptionhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FaithfulProvisions/~3/lRyqbxZblQE/
http://faithfulprovisions.com/get-audio-books-audible-without-subscription/#commentsTue, 13 Sep 2016 12:27:33 +0000http://faithfulprovisions.com/?p=108458We listen to ALOT of audio books around here. Usually we pick them up from the library, but when they are out or don’t have my favorite narrator, I seek... Read More

]]>We listen to ALOT of audio books around here. Usually we pick them up from the library, but when they are out or don’t have my favorite narrator, I seek out other opportunities to grab a good one on a budget or free. Thanks to Sarah MacKenzie over at Read Aloud Revival, we can now take advantage of the audio books on Audible without paying the monthly $14 subscription price!

NOTE: You don’t have to have an Audible subscription for it to work. Simply download the free Kindle app to listen to your audio book, even without an Audible membership.

How to Get Your Audio Books Without Audible Subscription

Here is all you do to grab your audio books without having to have an Audible subscription:

]]>http://faithfulprovisions.com/get-audio-books-audible-without-subscription/feed/2http://faithfulprovisions.com/get-audio-books-audible-without-subscription/Our Meal Plan + A Week Full of FUN Activities!http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FaithfulProvisions/~3/kHXZhKIP2CM/
http://faithfulprovisions.com/our-meal-plan-a-week-full-of-activities/#respondMon, 12 Sep 2016 12:25:44 +0000http://faithfulprovisions.com/?p=108449It’s that time of year, the cool crisp air in the evenings and mornings have ushered in the fall and I couldn’t be happier! Fall is my absolute favorite time... Read More

]]>It’s that time of year, the cool crisp air in the evenings and mornings have ushered in the fall and I couldn’t be happier! Fall is my absolute favorite time of year. Our calendars are starting to fill up, which means I need to be more prepared, so we can keep the stress levels down. Here is a little peek into JUST this week and I bet your calendar is just as full, so let’s get those meals planned so we can enjoy more time with our sweet families.

Our Fun Week!

We found a new creek to explore and on our way realized the marvel of Starbucks new mobile ordering. Have you tried that out yet? If not, you must!

Our last swim of the season ended our Labor Day weekend. As glad as I am for fall, I am sad to see the summer already be over. How did it go by so fast.

In an effort to have more quality one on one time and include the kids in daily chores, we have given them each a weekly “sous chef” night. We had a great time talking, listening to music and learning about why we do certain things in the kitchen. It was a win for both of us. I was introduced to new home cleaning products, which I think might just change my life. The kids are excited to help me clean and I love that there are ZERO chemicals needed to get rid of germs.

And soccer has begun and I forgot how much I love watching them play! How incredibly sweet is this and how did he get this tall so quickly?

This sweet one started riding lessons at a friends house and it has been such a blessing for her. She gets to do what she loves, with her best friends each week.

Each week for school we begin by reciting our memory verse at each meal, I’m finding that after almost 2 weeks they have it down. So every two weeks I’ll post our new memoir verse! Here is this week’s. Our very first this year was Proverbs 3:5-6, my favorite so far.

]]>http://faithfulprovisions.com/our-meal-plan-a-week-full-of-activities/feed/0http://faithfulprovisions.com/our-meal-plan-a-week-full-of-activities/Business Boutique in Nashville November 4-5 + a Discount Code!http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FaithfulProvisions/~3/QHQFuuGiWf4/
http://faithfulprovisions.com/business-boutique-in-nashville-november-4-5-a-discount-code/#respondFri, 09 Sep 2016 12:00:17 +0000http://faithfulprovisions.com/?p=108440I am so excited to tell you that the Business Boutique will be back in Nashville again in November! The Business Boutique is an event put on by the Dave... Read More

I am so excited to tell you that the Business Boutique will be back in Nashville again in November!

The Business Boutique is an event put on by the Dave Ramsey team for women entrepreneurs. I thoroughly enjoyed speaking at their first ever event last year, and was so excited to find out I will be speaking again at the next one in Nashville on November 4 & 5.

I will be leading two breakout sessions about blogging… “Blogging Toolbox: Tips, Tools, and Tricks to help you blog more efficiently“. I will cover topics like post titles, calls to action, marketing, which platform to use and more. I would love to see you so please come by and say “hi”!

If you would like to answer any of the following questions, you need to join me there!

Are you a small business owner and seek a little direction?

Do you have an idea that you’re ready to bring to life?

Do you have a hobby that you’d like to turn into additional income for you and your family?

Have you already started a side business using your talents and skills?

If so, we want to help you grow. You’ve got the passion—we’ve got the plan!

Business Boutique Discount Code – Get Your Ticket for just $69!!

Sign up for the Nashville, Tn Business Boutique coming November 4-5, 2016 and get a $10 discount by using code BBHancock at checkout, which will make your ticket only $69.

]]>http://faithfulprovisions.com/business-boutique-in-nashville-november-4-5-a-discount-code/feed/0http://faithfulprovisions.com/business-boutique-in-nashville-november-4-5-a-discount-code/12 Healthy Crockpot Freezer Meals to Make in Septemberhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FaithfulProvisions/~3/p3lj3eJVUlE/
http://faithfulprovisions.com/12-healthy-crockpot-freezer-meals-to-make-in-september/#respondThu, 08 Sep 2016 12:00:39 +0000http://faithfulprovisions.com/?p=108443Head over to New Leaf Wellness and grab 12 Healthy Crockpot Freezer Meals to Make in September. You will find a printable version of grocery lists and recipes to complete all... Read More

]]>http://faithfulprovisions.com/12-healthy-crockpot-freezer-meals-to-make-in-september/feed/0http://faithfulprovisions.com/12-healthy-crockpot-freezer-meals-to-make-in-september/Playtex Bottle Sale at Targethttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FaithfulProvisions/~3/lqubsDwm9Mw/
http://faithfulprovisions.com/playtex-bottle-sale-at-target/#respondTue, 06 Sep 2016 12:00:50 +0000http://faithfulprovisions.com/?p=108438This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MomsHelper #CollectiveBias Are you trying to find the perfect baby shower gift? Are you... Read More

]]>This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MomsHelper #CollectiveBias

Are you trying to find the perfect baby shower gift? Are you a new or expectant mother feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the great baby products on the market? Playtex Baby™ VentAire® and Playtex Baby™ Nurser® with Drop-Ins® Liners are a no brainer!

Simple to use and ideal for easy switching between breast and bottle-feeding, both Playtex Baby™ VentAire® and Playtex Baby™ Nurser® with Drop-Ins® Liners are perfect for fitting your baby’s unique needs, making caring for your newborn THAT much easier!

Check out the Playtex bottle sale for even more great savings on these awesome products during Target’s Playtex Baby Sale, going on from 9/4 – 9/10. Wanting even more inspiration on how to create better beginnings for your newborn? Check out the Playtex Baby™ social hub for tips, tricks, and ideas!

]]>http://faithfulprovisions.com/playtex-bottle-sale-at-target/feed/0http://faithfulprovisions.com/playtex-bottle-sale-at-target/Post Labor Day Meal Planhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FaithfulProvisions/~3/jdXSB0bCESw/
http://faithfulprovisions.com/post-labor-day-meal-plan/#respondMon, 05 Sep 2016 13:30:38 +0000http://faithfulprovisions.com/?p=108433It is not quite fall yet, but in the mornings and evenings it sure does feel like it! We sat outside around a bonfire last night with friends and celebrated... Read More

]]>It is not quite fall yet, but in the mornings and evenings it sure does feel like it! We sat outside around a bonfire last night with friends and celebrated Labor Day. How crazy is that? Usually this time of year in Tennessee it is still sweltering, but I am so grateful for the cool mornings and nights. Fall is my favorite time of year.

We have been taking advantage of the cool mornings to go hiking at a new trail down the road and I forgot how much I loved a good family hike. It’s been quite hot this summer, so they have been few and far between.

I am utilizing my “cook once eat twice” method (find more meal planning tips in the link below!) to cut down on my time in the kitchen this week. If you have never heard that term before, it is just the concept of doubling a batch of something like rice or chicken to use in another meal. It makes life (and meal planning) so much easier!

My Post Labor Day Meal Plan

Potato and Salad Bar – This is on repeat because it is a very budget-friendly meal, plus everyone loves it!

Mahi-Mahi Burgers, Salad and Rice* – These are freezer burgers I get at Costco and keep on hand for a quick and easy dinner. We are going to a friend’s adoption fundraiser kick-off, so I want to keep cleaning and prep-work to a minimum! *I am doubling the rice, to use in the Chicken Fried Rice later in the week.

Red Curry Chicken with Noodles – This is one of my favorite go to meals! I usually have everything on hand, and my family loves it. To make it stretch I serve it over either rice or brown rice noodles (the very thin Asian kind). The link above is Jen Hatmaker’s recipe, I have adapted to make it even easier, so I’ll try to post that soon!

Chicken Fried Rice – I am using my leftover rice* to make this extra simple. It’s soccer night, so I will just make it ahead and heat it up to eat once we get home… at about 8pm!

Taco Meat Nachos – We love nachos, so if I don’t have any leftover chicken to make BBQ Chicken Nachos, I cook up some Taco Meat and layer it with cheese in the oven on 350 degrees for about 6-7 minutes (just until the cheese is melted), then we top it with lots of diced tomatoes, avocados/guacamole, lettuce and salsa or hot sauce!

Lettuce Cup Chicken Tacos – These are a great gluten-free, quick meal option. I simply take take leftover chicken and roll it up in romaine or butter lettuce leaves with our favorite toppings. Some of our favorites are black beans, guacamole, salsa and tomatoes.

]]>Last week we had an abundance of fruit flies. And I mean a lot!! After finding some sweet potatoes gone bad in my pantry (gag!), I almost lost my lunch. It was disgusting and completely grossed me out. Plus, we always have bananas, figs, tomatoes and more laying out from the garden harvest each day. If I don’t keep up with the produce it gets out of hand, and last week it did.

I had tried all the tricks every told me about, including laying out a bowl with apple cider vinegar. But, I think they just got smart, they would sit on the rim but never go in!

Then I was talking to my friend Natasha (affectionately known as T-Sizzle) on the phone and she told me about a little trick that would get rid of them…and it did. Whew I was so glad, no more pesky fruit flies in my kitchen.

It is so simple, it’s ridiculous. Here is all you do.

DIY Fruit Fly Trap

Take a jar, like a mason jar.

Pour a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in.

Add a few banana slices.

Take a piece of paper and make a funnel with a tiny opening. About 1/2 an inch in diameter. (see image below)

Sit the paper funnel in the jar and watch those babies get trapped.

Note: If you see openings on the sides of the jar, you might want to tape the funnel to the mouth of the jar.

They go in for the fruit and then get trapped. It’s genius. A few times a day I would carefully take the jar and funnel outside and release any flying around in the jar. Within 2 days they were ALL GONE.

]]>http://faithfulprovisions.com/get-rid-of-fruit-flies-with-this-one-easy-trick/feed/0http://faithfulprovisions.com/get-rid-of-fruit-flies-with-this-one-easy-trick/My Favorite Back to School Snack-Pack Tipshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FaithfulProvisions/~3/_xbFs-x-jG8/
http://faithfulprovisions.com/my-favorite-back-to-school-snack-pack-tips/#respondWed, 31 Aug 2016 11:00:34 +0000http://faithfulprovisions.com/?p=108415This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #HorizonLunch #CollectiveBias I don’t know about you, but my kiddos could eat all.... Read More

]]>This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #HorizonLunch#CollectiveBias

I don’t know about you, but my kiddos could eat all. day. long. It is tiring trying to keep up with their ever growing bodies and need for constant nutrition. We have a rule in our house, if it’s a fruit or a vegetable, or is in the snack bin, you don’t have to ask. You just eat whatever you want, whenever you want as long as it’s mom-approved, and those snacks are all “mom approved”!

One thing I did to make this so much easier on myself, was to create “snack” portion sizes for my kids. If I told them they could eat some crackers, they would eat the entire box in one sitting! And usually right before dinner. My no-frills snack packs are perfect to curb their hunger and give them the fuel they need to make it through to the next meal. This cutie loves to go shopping with me, it’s our “date” time some weeks!

As a special treat, I love to add their favorites into the snack bin… Horizon™ Single Serve Chocolate Milk Boxes and Horizon® Sandwich Crackers! They even have a special Horizon coupon available right now! We try to stick to lots of fruit and veggies, but sometimes they need something more substantial and after a long day I love to indulge them.

Pulling my snack pack bin together takes less than 15 minutes each week. All you need are your “mom-approved” snacks and snack size bags. For loose snacks like snack crackers and trail mix I usually go for about 1/3 cup size servings. I basically have an assembly line which includes; snack items ready to bag (washed, cut etc), snack size bags and a helper to close them, and the snack bin to put them in. We have two snack bins, one in the refrigerator (pictured above) and one in our pantry (pictured at top).

Here are some of the items I like to put into their snack bins:

single serve oranges (clementines, mandarins etc)

carrot sticks

grapes

cherry tomatoes

single-serve yogurt cups

Horizon® Sandwich Crackers

Horizon™ Single Serve Chocolate Milk Boxes

hard-boiled eggs

cheese sticks

trail mix

turkey and cheese roll-ups

The sky is the limit. Just tailor the snack bins to the tastes of your people.

Finding the Horizon™ Single Serve Milk Boxes and Snack Crackers was easy at my local Walmart. The milk boxes are on the candy aisle at the end with the single serve drinks,

]]>This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PerfectPortions #CollectiveBias I”ll be honest, I didn’t start out liking cats, growing up we had a few, but in my late 20’s someone gave me a sweet kitty. That kitty proceeded to pee on my chest in the middle of the night and that pretty much sealed the deal…until I had kids. My kids begged us to get a cat a few years ago, so I decided to give these felines another chance.

We gave in and abolutely fell in love with him. His name was Scout (from To Kill a Mockingbird) and seriously, he was the best cat ever. Less than 6 months later, we found out he had FIV and to our total shock, had to put our beloved Scout down on Christmas Day.

Honestly, until that moment, I never understood how people got so upset about their animals dying. Now I understood. And it wasn’t just traumatic for me, my kids took the brunt of our loss. They used to take him in their rooms and sleep with him, play with him during school time and snuggle until I said it was time to get back to work.

All four of us sat on the couch on Christmas night bawling like babies, mourning the loss of our sweet Scout. Due to his disease, we were encouraged not to get a cat for a while, to make sure the next one didn’t pick it up. This was her last picture with Scouty.

So, to be on the safe side we waited a while. I was scared to death to go through that again, it was horrific for all of us. My kids still get teary eyed when they talk about Scout, and my daughter, she still has his picture framed and sitting by her bed. A year to the day Scout died, we brought a new kitty into our home. On Christmas morning I surprised the kids with a beautiful torty from a rescue shelter. She was three months old when we got her and her name was Rosemary, but my kids wanted to give her a name so they decided on Seffey Rose. They liked keeping her original name with their new unique one. I love how they did that! Now this Seffey, she brought so much joy to my kiddos. Although nothing could take the place of Scout, they sure do love her. My 8-year old carries her around all the time. Upon becoming such a big part of our family, we are always looking for things she likes and ways to take care of her. One of the best ways we work to take care of her is through her food. So, when I brought out her first bowl of SHEBA® PERFECT PORTIONS™, I knew we had hit the jackpot. She absolutely loved it as you can see. They are right when they say… SHEBA® WHAT CATS WANT™!! I love that they are portioned out, so I can know exactly how much she has had to eat and that she is well fed… but not over-fed.

But, I am not so sure she liked being done. She was just looking around for more she loved it so much!

The next way we strive to care for sweet Seffey is by making sure she is well taken care of while we are out of town. Thankfully we have some neighbors who love their kitty too, so we rely on them to care of our sweet Seffey Rose.

To make sure she is well taken care of while we are gone, we leave the cat sitter with the following:

Morning: Feed her one portion of SHEBA® PERFECT PORTIONS™.

Fresh Water: To ensure she gets fresh water each day, we leave a full bottle of water by the cat bowl so it is super easy for them to take care of her well.

Let her out to play and roam for the day.

Mid-Afternoon: Bring her back in and give her the SHEBA® Meaty Tender Sticks with Chicken.

Dinner: Feed her one more portion of SHEBA® PERFECT PORTIONS™.

Refresh her water bowl.

After Dinner: While she is eating they lock her inside from her fun day of being outside!

**For more great ideas on how to care for kitty while you are gone, or how to care for a new kitty, check out the SHEBA ideas here. I really love that the SHEBA® PERFECT PORTIONS™ are so easy to find! We found ours at our local Walmart on the canned cat food & treats part of the aisle. (see below)

]]>http://faithfulprovisions.com/how-to-care-for-your-kitty-when-traveling-our-kitty-story/feed/2http://faithfulprovisions.com/how-to-care-for-your-kitty-when-traveling-our-kitty-story/My Back to School Meal Planhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FaithfulProvisions/~3/N9ig7uvcqC0/
http://faithfulprovisions.com/my-back-to-school-meal-plan/#respondSat, 27 Aug 2016 14:00:52 +0000http://faithfulprovisions.com/?p=108412School started back this week and the only thing that saved me… my meal plan! Seriously, it takes so much pressure off to know I have a plan for dinner,... Read More

]]>School started back this week and the only thing that saved me… my meal plan! Seriously, it takes so much pressure off to know I have a plan for dinner, all I have to do in the morning is see what is on the menu and determine if I need to pull something out of the freezer to thaw or drop something in the crock pot.

**If you need a little kick-starter and simple, easy tips to meal planning, be sure to checkout some of my links below to get you started. I promise you will thank me!

Below is just a list of what we will have this week. I place them into slots for nights, but many times I switch things around depending on who has eaten something up that might go into a particular meal. ahem. Usually on Boy Scout and soccer practice nights I have something like a rice bowl or remade Sweet Potato and White Bean Burgers and salad for dinner. I like to keep it super easy!

This weeks Back to School Meal Plan Ideas:

Rice Bowls – I follow Shaina from Food for my Family on Instagram and her recipes never disappoint! I make her Quick Pickled Ginger Red Cabbage and keep it on hand as one of my lunch staples! I either use leftover rice and items to clean out my fridge like chicken, avocados, cashews, my favorite sauce like Yong’s, cabbage, kale, you name it! If I make rice, I double or triple the batch to use for things like Chicken Fried Rice below!

Chicken Fried Rice – I love this version from Steamy Kitchen and be sure to use your leftover rice from rice bowls, unless you want sticky gloopy fried rice. My kids love egg rolls, so I usually add those and an oriental-style salad with this meal.

Potato and Salad Bar – This is one of my family’s favorites and has become a weekly staple. I sit out all kinds of toppings; and usually leftovers like chicken, ground beef or even enchilada sauce will be used to stuff into a potato! Sky is the limit.0